Driver / Care Assistant

Role overview

Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland is hiring a dependable and empathetic Driver/Care Assistant to support people living with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus. The role blends safe, professional driving with practical care support so that service users can attend SBHI activities, day services, respite breaks, and other daily appointments in comfort, dignity, and safety.

The successful person will help with transport, personal and social care, and the broader wellbeing and independence of the people using SBHI services. This position suits someone who communicates well, handles responsibilities carefully, and has a strong commitment to safeguarding.

Key duties

• Transport service users between their homes, SBHI day services, activities, and respite arrangements in a safe and timely manner.
• Complete vehicle safety checks before journeys and escalate defects or concerns without delay.
• Provide assistance from door to door, including support with mobility, getting into and out of vehicles, and use of mobility aids.
• Offer personal care support in a discreet, respectful, and dignity-preserving way.
• Help service users participate in daily routines, work-related tasks, and social activities.
• Support and supervise people during meals and scheduled breaks.
• Promote independence by encouraging service users to do what they can for themselves.
• Recognise and report any safeguarding issues in line with SBHI procedures.
• Keep vehicles and work areas tidy, hygienic, and safe.
• Follow infection prevention and control practices at all times.
• Protect confidential information and comply with SBHI data protection and safeguarding expectations.

Working conditions

• The post includes frequent driving and hands-on support when helping service users enter and leave vehicles.
• Working hours may need to vary according to transport timetables and individual service-user needs.
• The job involves physical effort, including lifting and assisting with mobility equipment.

Essential requirements

• A full, clean driving licence is required.
• Previous experience in driving and/or care support is needed, preferably in health, social care, or disability services.
• Strong organisational ability and effective time management are important.
• Excellent communication and people skills are essential.
• A clear understanding of safeguarding and duty of care responsibilities is required.
• The candidate must be able to support personal care and mobility needs in a respectful and effective manner.
• Comfort using digital tools such as mobile apps, messaging platforms, or scheduling systems is expected.
• A calm, compassionate, and professional manner, especially under pressure, is necessary.
• The role requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to confidentiality and to SBHI’s values is expected.
• Employment is subject to the successful completion of all required background checks.

Desirable experience

• Experience supporting people with physical or intellectual disabilities is an advantage.
• First Aid and Manual Handling certification would be beneficial.
• Training in infection control, safeguarding, or data protection is desirable, though willingness to complete this training is also acceptable.

Application deadline

Applications must be submitted by 6 October 2025 at 5:00 pm.